Google Chrome getting one-tap notification unsubscribe, starting on Pixel

Abner Li | Sep 12 2024 - 9:01 am PT

Google is updating Safety Check in Chrome for Android and desktop, with a big focus on getting rid of unwanted website notifications through features like one-tap unsubscribe.

This “upgraded” Safety Check automatically runs in the background instead of having to be manually invoked on mobile. A “Safety at a glance” dashboard makes sure Chrome is updated and Safe Browsing is enabled, while showing any compromised passwords. There’s a high-level checkmark reminiscent of Android’s Security & privacy section. It’s rolling out with Chrome 128.

Android: Settings > Safety Check
Desktop: Settings > Privacy and security > Safety Check

Chrome will take “more proactive steps to keep you safe,” like revoking permissions from sites you no longer visit and flagging potentially unwanted notifications. There is a log with the ability to undo these actions. On Pixel devices, Google Chrome is adding a one-tap “Unsubscribe” button to web notifications. This is widely rolling out and “coming soon to more Android devices.”

This feature has already resulted in a 30 percent reduction in notification volume on supported Pixel devices, and we’re looking forward to bringing it to the broader ecosystem.

Similarly, Safety Check will automatically revoke the notification permissions from sites that Google Safe Browsing “finds to be deceiving users into granting the permission.”

On desktop, Safety Check will flag Chrome Extensions that “may pose a security risk to you” with a summary panel to quickly remove them.

Lastly, Chrome for Android and desktop have one-time permissions, like for camera or microphone access, that are revoked after you leave a site.